Cortez mountain bike racing brothers complete winning campaign

Nye Yackle, left, and Jake Yackle stand in front of their 2012 mountain bike racing awards at their Cortez residence. The two won USA Cycling XC national championships and New Mexico Off-Road Series’ titles in their categories and age groups.

As Election Day approaches, Jake and Nye Yackle can sit back and relax after a successful 2012 campaign.

Jake, 12, and Nye, 9, won USA Cycling national championships in their respective age classifications. The brothers also took home New Mexico Off-Road Series’ season titles. Those were the biggest 2012 accomplishments among 54 combined podium finishes between the two.

Now, the season is over and the Yackles are taking time off.

Of course, people have different ways of relaxation.

The Cortez youth mountain bike racing phenoms can be seen relaxing in the mountains above 10,000-feet, trying to out-race coach and father Kevin Yackle on the rocky trails.

Or, Jake and Nye Yackle can be seen having a laid back morning in the weight room at Body by Design.

The Yackles continue to stay ahead of the game by training in the offseason. Each is looking to compete up a class in 2013.

Jake Yackle won the Cat 2 (0-18) NMORS title, while Nye won the Cat 3 NMORS championship. They both concluded their season on Sept. 29, in Gallup, N.M., at the 19-mile Squash Blossom Classic, High Desert Screamer. Jake and Nye took first and second in the Cat 2 race, clocking in at 11:34.34 and 11:42.12.

The Yackles keep besting their competition. So, what better way to challenge themselves by racing against each other?

“Yeah, it gets competitive,” Nye Yackle said. “If I can’t beat him now, I try to beat his records.”

Nye beat Jake’s previous Cat 3 record in Gallup.

Jake wants to ride in some Cat 1 races next year, the most difficult endurance mountain bike cross-country racing class.

“I think I can compete in the upper class at some races,” the elder Yackle said. “That is my goal next year. Is to race Cat 1 and win.”

Nye will permanently race Cat 2 in 2013.

“I’m ready,” he said. “I want to win more championships and break some of Jake’s records.”

During the cold Colorado winter months, the Yackles head south. Their 2013 campaign begins in Texas at the El Paso Puzzler on Jan. 17.

All the hard work and training as kids, is preparation for professional mountain bike racing as adults.

“You start young,” Kevin Yackle said. “That’s how you become great in all professional sports now.”

Yackle Brothers Racing continues to be good. But it may already be on the verge of greatness.

Jake Yackle, front, and Nye Yackle race in the Squash Blossom Classic mountain bike race in Gallup, N.M., on Sept 29. Jake won the men’s Cat 2 (age 0-18) race in 11:34.34, while Nye was second to his older brother at 11:42.12.